There are still a few days left to take advantage of the Plein Art event, which will be held at Espace 400e in Quebec’s Old Port until August 14th.
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This activity, which highlights the work of artisans, is in the spirit of reunification as the event celebrates its 40th anniversary and returns after a two-year absence.
The pandemic has been hard for artisans, says Julien Silvestre, director general of the Quebec Crafts Council.
“There has been no Plein Art for three years. So this is the first edition since 2019,” he recalls.
Although almost 160,000 visitors were counted back then, the organizers do not hide the fact that there will be fewer this year.
“It is certain that it will not be a record year. People need to find their event. Lots of things happen in Quebec. There are a lot of people. People who come buy. The craftsmen are happy. Visitors have more time to talk to artisans,” says the managing director.
“After two years of pandemic, we have seen the place of digital and online sales. It worked, but the heart of fine craftsmanship is the material. They need to be able to see, touch and hear the stories that artisans have to tell about their creation. That’s why the events in the Presence are important,” he added.
“We’ve seen it for a week. People are excited about the opportunity to interact with each other,” Mr. Silvestre continued.
According to the organizers, it is still too early to see the drop in traffic. Of the 120 artisans who were present in 2019, there are around 70 this year.
“There are also a few less craftsmen. The pandemic has hit craftsmen very hard. Many have gone out of business. The end of traditional platforms was very hard. Income has disappeared for artisans. There are many who have moved on to other things, such as teaching crafts. There are also many who have left the industry. The ones that are there are resilient people, entrepreneurs who are strong enough to get through this. In order to be able to take part in an event again, you also have to be able to produce. The materials are very expensive. Buying copper and glass is very expensive.”
The event, presented by the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec, kicked off on August 2nd. For Mr. Silvestre, Plein Art represents a love story with the people of Quebec after 40 years.
“Now is the time to meet artisans and boost the local economy. Two thirds of the craftsmen are women who have an entrepreneurial practice in the region that creates jobs and value. I encourage people to come and have this experience,” stresses Mr. Silvestre.
Plein Art is full of creations worth seeing: jewelry, vases, clothing, sculptures of all kinds testify to the passion of the craftsmen to transform the material, revealing their creative qualities.